Kibra MP Peter Orero has spoken for the first time following a viral video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo, which appeared to show the lawmaker's vehicle caught in traffic misconduct.
Responding to the incident on Monday, October 13, Orero said the situation was not intentional and that his driver had simply made a small mistake.
"We are law-abiding citizens; that day, it's just that we overlapped a bit, and my driver was caught on the wrong side of the law," he said.
In the video, which drew widespread outrage, the ODM lawmaker is seen in a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road.
The car carrying Madowo, which was on the correct lane, refused to make way for the MP’s vehicle, triggering a tense exchange between the two sides.
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Madowo pulled out his phone to record the incident but upon noticing this, Orero, seated in the passenger seat, lashed out at the journalist.
“Take [that video] to President William Ruto,” Orero and his driver could be heard saying during the altercation.
The provocation sparked a heated back-and-forth between the two.
Madowo, visibly unfazed, responded sharply: “Okay, I will take it to Ruto, that’s the only thing that you are afraid of?”
The MP’s vehicle then drove off as the driver hurled insults at Madowo.
Many social media users expressed frustration over the conduct of the legislator, describing it as reckless and unbecoming of a public leader.
The Motorists Association of Kenya condemned the incident and demanded that action be taken against Orero’s driver.
“We echo CNN’s Larry Madowo’s concern over the reckless GOK driver. We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the driver to deter similar misconduct. Carrying a VIP requires humility, not arrogance. Taxpayers fund your salary,” said the association.
Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria commended Madowo for recording the MP and his driver, noting that leaders should respect traffic laws.
“I want to say this, and please share this video until it reaches Larry. What he did was the right thing. Record all those people who are breaking the law, because as an honorable member, you have to do the right thing. Especially members of parliament, you are the ones who make these laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, Orero’s driver was on Monday, October 13 arraigned in court following a viral video of him violating traffic rules.
The driver, who appeared before the Milimani law courts, was charged with breaking traffic laws and obstructing other road users.
During the hearing, Orero’s driver admitted to violating traffic rules. The driver apologized to the court, saying he was in a hurry to drop someone off at the airport.
"Your honor, I made a mistake, but it wasn’t intentional. I was rushing to the airport when I encountered traffic. As I tried to overtake, I ended up blocking another car. I therefore ask the court to forgive me; this is the first time I’ve made such a mistake," he said.
The magistrate acknowledged the driver’s apology but fined him Ksh100,000 for the offence.
“You will pay a fine of Ksh100,000 in default, you will serve 12 months in prison. You have 14 days right of appeal if dissatisfied with the order of this court,” the magistrate ruled.
